From William Streeter, in response to his request in the May 1994 issue of the "New England Chapter Newsletter", and in the February 1994 issue of this Newsletter for photographs of nipping presses for a study on early American copying machines (commonly called nipping presses):
As an update: this project now involves Ms. Barbara Rhodes, Conservator at the American Museum of Natural History, New York, and Ms. Rachel Cleveland, Conservator doing research at the Smithsonian [Institution] in Washington, DC. What originally began as a research project documenting copying presses in American industry has widened to investigate the inks and papers used in the 19th and early 20th-century letter books--information of particular interest to conservators like Barbara Rhodes and Rachel Cleveland. In the end, the three of us plan to publish a book on our research.
Although we received only a few photographs, the Guild Newsletter reader response was rich in information. This encouraged us to widen our search and ... ask if you can assist us in the research of these copying presses.
What would be ideal would be three photos of each of your presses...[best angles for shots are front view, oblique view, and bottom view]. However, one photograph would be acceptable. Please document any logos, numbers, letters, or other marks found on your machines. If possible, please send the negatives and platen measurements of your presses.
If you have already contacted us and furnished us with photographs, please consider this ... a formal thank you."
Please respond to William W. Streeter, 78 Masonic Street, Northampton, MA 01060.